I am a wedding and portrait photographer who keeps things light, fun, and full of energy. I’m based out of Springfield, Illinois however I love traveling all over the midwest and beyond.
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Christina and Caleb were supposed to become husband and wife a year ago in 2020. However, at the beginning of a worldwide pandemic no one could blame them for pushing their date back a few months. Of course we all thought Covid-19 would go away by the end of the summer so they scheduled their second date in August of last year. Well, we all know how the entire year of 2020 went and after making another hard decision, Christina and Caleb pushed their wedding back for a third time to May 2021. I personally couldn’t imagine having to make these hard decisions about a day you have been planning for such a long time, however they did it without any hesitation. Christina and Caleb both work in the medical field and wanted to ensure their day could be celebrated with family and friends in a healthy and safe environment. And finally their big day finally happened and I couldn’t be happier for this wonderful couple.
I began my day early with Christina and her bridesmaids and little flower girl at the salon in Farmington, Illinois. Christina was so excited their wedding day was finally here! She and Caleb are so laid back which makes working with the both so easy-going. After I spent some time at the salon with the ladies, I headed over to Christina’s parent’s home in the Bartonville, Illinois area to get started on her beautiful details. The theme for the day included a navy blue and white color scheme, barn wood from Christina’s family farm, and other rustic touches. When it came time for Christina to step into her dress she was surrounded by her mom, Karen, along with her fantastic ladies. Christina looked absolutely gorgeous in her simple ivory dress with lace bodice! She and her girls all sported hand-sparkled glitter Converse shoes, which we all joked they would be sprinkling their fairy dust all over town! Caleb and his guys all looked great as well as they kept it uncomplicated with crisp white button down shirts, suspenders, navy bowties, and gray pants. They each added their own flare to their attire by wearing superhero socks and converse. Overall this bridal party was looking pretty amazing and ready to stand by their bride and groom!
The couple chose to do a first look on her parent’s property and although it was a super hot and humid day, especially for the month of May, they were ready and willing to get outside to see each other for the first time. And I’m so glad they did because it was one of the sweetest first looks to date! When Caleb saw his bride, his breath was immediately taken away and he started to tear up! It really was an emotional and charming moment. We then began photos with this delightful bridal party around the property before we headed to the venue for their ceremony and reception!
The ceremony was under an alluring pavilion, which provide plenty of protection from the heat, but delightful breezes to keep everyone cool. Plus sparkling lights above the couple and their guests added a little drama to their nuptials. Christina made her way up the aisle with her dad, Riley to begin the very meaningful ceremony. Pastor Johnson not only married Christina and Caleb on their big day, but he was the one who baptized her! His sermon was heartfelt and even included a softball prop to give an analogy on how the couple’s family and friends can catch and embrace the couple over the course of their marriage. And they definitely have plenty of support and love to go around. Four generations of both the bride and the groom’s families have been friends without either of them realizing it before they met online! Crazy, right?! After saying their vows, exchanging rings, they sealed it with a kiss and finally became Mr. & Mrs. Wolfe!
The reception brought so much life with it as I think everyone was ready to party after multiple reschedules, a year of social distancing, and excitement to dance the night away with friends and family! The bride even surprised the groom with a Wolfe Family tradition of a Nerf gun fight! And Christina brought the big guns! It was cute! I stole the couple one last time before I left for the night for some sunset photos and to say these two were rewarded for their patience while waiting for their big day would be an understatement! The sunset was GORGEOUS and capturing these two as the day was coming to an end was so special! Congrats to Christina and Caleb! I wish you nothing but continued blessings in your marriage journey!
Warm Regards,
Huge shout out to Christina & Caleb’s incredible vendors who helped make their day amazing!
Ceremony Venue: American Legion Post 979
Reception Venue: American Legion Post 979
Bride’s Dress: David’s Bridal
Hair: Snip’s Hair Studio
Makeup: Snip’s Hair Studio
Cake: Sam’s Club
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Catering: Hickory River Smokehouse
Groomsmen and Groom Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
First Look Time!
Such an adorable first look!
Christina & Caleb’s bridal party was so fun!
Christina also wanted to do a first look with her dad, Riley! And get some puppy snuggles from sweet girl, Oakley!
On to the ceremony!
They are MARRIED!
What a sunset! This is why golden hour is my favorite!
Now booking 2022 wedding dates!! Contact me today to talk about your wedding day vision and how I can best serve you and your photography needs!